Sunderland 2 - Bolton Wanderers 2: We can do it, says Owen Coyle

EVERGREEN Kevin Davies showed why Sunderland boss Martin O’Neill would like him on board this summer.

The Bolton skipper, 35, took his season’s tally to seven with two goals as he rescued a point for the Trotters in their relegation fight.

Boss Owen Coyle sang Davies’ praises, saying: “Kevin has always been a wonderful player and he’s a terrific leader.

“We’ve taken four points from two tough away games at Aston Villa and Sunderland, and we have to use that as a platform.

“If we can replicate that in our three remaining games, I truly believe that will be enough to keep us in the Premier League. It’s in our own hands. I’m very confident we can do it.’’

Bolton’s relegation battle could receive a boost because Fabrice Muamba, recovering from his cardiac arrest in the abandoned FA Cup tie at Tottenham last month, could be at Wednesday’s Premier League game between the two sides at the Reebok.

We’ve taken four points from two tough away games and we have to use that as a platform

Bolton boss Owen Coyle

Davies said: “There’s talk he could be coming. It would give us a huge lift.’’ But the news from Wigan was not good for Coyle’s side, as they hammered Newcastle 4-0.

After Tuesday’s win at Aston Villa, Bolton were initially inspired as Davies – subject of a failed £1million bid by Sunderland in January and still on their radar – gave his side the lead.

But Bolton remain in the bottom three after Nicklas Bendtner and James McClean turned the game on its head before Davies’ saver.

Bendtner’s goal was Sunderland’s first in seven hours and 11 minutes. They have now gone seven matches without a win in league and cup.

Craig Gordon, back in Sunderland’s goal for the first time in more than 14 months, was kept on his toes early on. Chris Eagles’ free-kick drifted wide of the far post before David N’Gog saw his shot blocked by Matt Kilgallon.

Bolton’s Nigel Reo-Coker then shrugged off Lee Cattermole to set himself up for a venomous right-foot drive that whistled just wide.

Gordon saved comfortably from Mark Davies, but it needed another crucial block, this time by Michael Turner, to deny Martin Petrov.

Bolton grabbed the lead in the 26th minute. Petrov hoisted the ball over from the left and Davies met it at the back post with a sweet volley.

It was no more than Bolton deserved, but Sunderland almost scored on 32 minutes when McClean curled in a right-wing free-kick which Kilgallon touched agonisingly wide.

Cattermole picked up a cheap booking for bringing down Mark Davies before Bendtner pulled the Black Cats level in the 36th minute.

Jack Colback supplied a measured through-ball and Bendtner took a touch to set himself for a cool finish. It stung Sunderland into life.

But Bolton were denied moments from the break. Kevin Davies’ left-wing centre dropped temptingly to N’Gog and, although he didn’t strike the ball cleanly, Gordon was still required to turn it on to the bar.

At the other end, Adam Bogdan could only help the ball into the net 10 minutes into the half when McClean put Sunderland ahead with a glorious free-kick.

Davies headed Bolton level on 70 minutes when he beat Kilgallon to get on the end of Sam Ricketts’ cross.

And Gordon had to perform a vital save with a foot to foil sub Ivan Klasnic three minutes from the end.

O’Neill said of Davies: “He’s been a fine player for quite some considerable time. He’s been very important to Bolton.

“We’re concerned about not winning games, and this one is a case in point. But I’m not sure we’re a top-eight team.

“I’m disappointed that, having got ourselves in front, we didn’t go on to win the game. But Bolton caused us plenty of problems and out-muscled us in the first 20 minutes.’’